Tell You

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Nothing Much to Do/Much Ado About Nothing.

A/N: This story is set in a universe where everything happens except Balthazar and Pedro getting together. The chapters will not take place in chronological order, so don't think you've missed anything if chapters don't match up with the ones before. Also, there'll be mention of a major character death, so yeah, there's that warning. Hope everyone enjoys this - I'll try to update as often as possible!

Everyone is here. I wish they weren't - I mean, I love them all, and of course they're all here to support me. I just really don't want support right now. I want to sink as low as I possibly can and just stay there. Why does everyone want to lift me, lighten my load, buoy me up with memories of happier times?

I think Ursula's the only one who really understands. She woke me up from my spot on the couch this morning and guided me to the bathroom. No words. Just a small touch here - eat you breakfast, Ben - or a gentle shove there - get in the car, Ben. She's not obsessed with getting me to talk about my feelings, but, then again, she never has.

Today, I'm putting my wife in the ground. Maybe I should be crying, but if I let go here, I'll probably end up throwing myself in the ground with her.

Instead, I stand and listen to the minister say words that Bea wrote out herself. She insisted that nothing cheesy would happen at her funeral; no mentions of heaven needing one more angel or of her being in a better place. "Ben, I want it to be the most kick-ass farewell ever."

Ursula touches my arm. It's time for me to say something. I step forward, all eyes turning toward me, the poor, miserable husband who lost his wife. The young widower who's burying his soulmate.

"I met Bea one summer and fell for her immediately. I remember thinking she was like a warrior queen: strong as hell. And boy was she a fighter…" I have a whole speech written out, but I can't get anymore words to come, no matter how hard I try.

There's silence, broken only by my choked-back sobs.

Balthazar, the mighty, wonderful friend who up and left everything to be with me and Beatrice, stands up and moves to the front of the gathering, ukulele in tow. I'm not sure what's going on, but it's taking attention away from me, so I'm grateful.

"Um, I'm Balthazar, one of Bea and Ben's friends from high school. Bea loved Ben more than anyone in the world. Even when she was sick, she only cared about making sure he was ok. She asked me to do something special for him, and you all knew Bea - you couldn't say no to her. So, back when they first got together, they made me help them write love songs for each other, and, um, Bea asked me to perform hers one last time here for everyone. Um, yeah, so here goes."

Balth pulls out his phone and fiddles with it for a moment, while I consider making a run for it. Leave it to Bea.

Before I can get away, Balth starts strumming, the familiar chords gluing me to my chair. He keeps going for a couple of measures, and then I hear it.

Her voice floats from his phone - There's no way to tell you, how much I like you…

Note: So, I kinda hated writing that. The next Ben/Bea one will be happy.